• Marigolds are annual plants that thrive in Alaska.Marigolds 2 image by pognyc from Fotolia.com
  
  Many of the best annual plants grown in Alaska are well-known favorites of gardeners everywhere. Because of the short growing season and other environmental challenges, the best annual plants to grow in Alaska should be readily available and easy to grow from seed and transplant to the garden after the final frost.
  
  

Snapdragon

• Considered one of the best annual plants for Alaska by the University of Alaska Extension office, snapdragons are found in many colors, can be tall or dwarf, and have many uses. Snapdragons have been used in Alaska for for borders, beds, or as cut flowers.
  
  

Calendula

• Calendula, otherwise known as marigolds, are found in all shades of yellow and are easy to grow in Alaska if full sun conditions are provided.
  
  

Larkspur

• Larkspur, sometimes known as the delphinium, are dark blue to white and have long flower spikes. Some varieties of Larkspur are perennials, however the smaller plant, which grows to be about 2 feet high, is an annual in Alaska.
  
  

Sweet William

• Sweet William, or Dianthus barbatus, is considered reliable in Alaska and is grown as a biennial sometimes. The colors vary from pink to red with a white margin. They grow to be about 18 to 24 inches tall and are used as border plants.
  
  

Carnations

• Closely related to sweet William, carnations are easy for beginners to grow. The varieties that grow best in Alaska are the maiden pink and the cottage or grass pink.
  
  

Lobelia

• Dainty blue or white flowers are the hallmark of lobelia, which is a trailing plant. Because the plant is low, only growing to a maximum height of 6 inches, it is generally used along edges.
  
  

Sweet Alyssum

• Sweet alyssum is another plant that is a perennial in other locations but an annual in Alaska. It blooms throughout the summer and provides solid masses of yellow, white, purple and pink blooms.